Diary of New Teacher: Meet Ms. A from Miami

I've mentioned before that I have the incredible job of working with beginning teachers from all over the country, and I'd like to introduce you all to another one!

Meet Ms. Affolter, a third grade teacher in Miami, Florida. She recently graduated from the University of Saint Thomas and calls Saint Paul, Minnesota home! She's excited to be in Miami, and growing everyday as a teacher! I invited Ms. A to share some reflections about her first two weeks because she's incredible reflective and in short amount of time has cultivated a solid classroom culture! Enjoy!

Five Things I Learned After Two Weeks of Teaching:

I was not aware how much I could cry in a span of roughly 14 days. Almost every night there were tears of joy, frustration, and pure exhaustion being shed.

Every time I use positive narration I feel like a wizard. It has such a magical effect!

That one improv class I took in college prepared me to be a teacher in more ways than I ever could have imagined.

The students make everything worthwhile. The faces they make when they finally understand something, their big smiles when they show off their success, the insightful comments they make about life, the little notes of love they leave on my desk, and the drive they have to learn and grow, pushes me to be the best I can be for them!

We all remember how rough the first year (or two) is as a teacher! Join me in sending some love and support to Ms. A and her beautiful students! She also has started a Donor's Choose project for kids. Please follow this link if you'd like to donate.